Meaning: The quote "To mankind in general Macbeth and Lady Macbeth stand out as the supreme type of all that a host and hostess should not be" by Max Beerbohm, an English essayist, critic, and caricaturist, offers a thought-provoking commentary on the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. In this quote, Beerbohm suggests that the actions and behaviors of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth serve as a negative example of the qualities and conduct that a host and hostess should embody. Through this statement, Beerbohm highlights the moral and ethical failings of these characters, emphasizing their unsuitability as role models for hospitality and social grace.

In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are depicted as ambitious and power-hungry individuals who stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Macbeth, a brave and loyal warrior, becomes consumed by his desire for power after encountering the witches who prophesy his rise to kingship. Encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he commits regicide and descends into a spiral of paranoia and tyranny. Lady Macbeth, in her relentless pursuit of power, manipulates and coerces her husband into committing the heinous act, demonstrating her own ruthless and remorseless nature. The couple's actions lead to a series of tragic consequences, including their own psychological torment and eventual downfall.

Beerbohm's characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as the "supreme type of all that a host and hostess should not be" underscores the extent of their moral transgressions and their lack of suitability for roles of hospitality and social grace. Hospitality traditionally encompasses traits such as warmth, kindness, generosity, and consideration for others, all of which are conspicuously absent in the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Instead, their unbridled ambition, betrayal, and manipulation stand in stark contrast to the virtues associated with a gracious and welcoming host and hostess.

Furthermore, by singling out Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as exemplars of what not to be as hosts, Beerbohm draws attention to the broader implications of their behavior. Their actions not only lead to personal ruin but also disrupt the social order and cause widespread suffering within the kingdom. As individuals in positions of influence and power, they fail to fulfill their duties to their guests and subjects, ultimately contributing to a climate of fear, instability, and moral decay.

Beerbohm's assertion also prompts reflection on the nature of leadership and the responsibilities that come with it. A host and hostess, like leaders, are expected to set an example for others, embodying virtues such as integrity, empathy, and respect. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's egregious violations of these principles serve as a cautionary tale, underscoring the destructive consequences that can arise when those in positions of authority prioritize personal ambition over the well-being of those they are meant to serve.

In conclusion, Max Beerbohm's quote offers a compelling perspective on the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, portraying them as emblematic of what not to embody as hosts and leaders. Through their ruthless ambition, betrayal, and moral failings, they exemplify the antithesis of the qualities associated with gracious hospitality and social grace. Beerbohm's commentary serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work and the timeless lessons it imparts about human nature, morality, and the responsibilities of those in positions of influence.